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Good To Be Gay

from Cabaret 79 [1982] by Tom Robinson

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jon_ford
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jon_ford This song- and the later "Glad to be gay" helped me get through some very difficult years. I owe you big-time for that. <3
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about

Written for the Campaign for Homosexual Equality in 1975 - who pressed up a few hundred copies on the specially-formed CHEBEL label under title "Glad to be Gay". Later renamed to avoid confusion with the better-known sequel "Sing If You're Glad To Be Gay"

In loving memory of Barry Jackson, who made the whole thing possible.

lyrics

It's the same old story all over the world
When a boy meets a boy and a girl meets a girl
We all come together cos we're happy to say
It's a natural fact that it's good to be gay

We've been analysed, ridiculed and driven away
By our elders and betters just for growing up gay
They trampled on our feelings
Till we hid them for shame
Well now "Glad to be Gay" is the name of the game

Cos it's the same old story all over the world
When a boy meets a boy and a girl meets a girl
We all come together cos we're happy to say
It's a natural fact that it's good to be gay

Don't feel guilty if you're passing for straight
If you wanna be yourself, well it's never too late
People won't mind if you're honest and gay
You might even find they prefer you that way

Cos it's the same old story all over the world
When a boy meets a boy and a girl meets a girl
We all come together cos we're happy to say
It's a natural fact that it's good to be gay

Some sisters and brothers who are glad to be gay
Say they've no need to join us 'cos they're doing OK
But we need supporting, and we need it today
And besides - if they tried it, they'd like it - in CHE

Cos it's the same old story all over the world
When a boy meets a boy and a girl meets a girl
We all come together cos we're happy to say
It's a natural fact that it's good to be gay (x2)

credits

from Cabaret 79 [1982], released June 1, 1982
Written by Tom Robinson (Notting Hill Music)

This was a low-budget single commissioned and paid for by the UK Campaign for Homosexual Equality shortly before my first band Cafe Society were signed to Ray Davies' Konk label in 1975.

It was recorded as a solo effort - apart from Ray's nephew Phil Palmer on lead gtr, with lesbian duo Rose & Annie on backing vocals. Originally this track was called "Glad to be Gay"

The more famous song everyone knows as "Glad to be Gay" was written as a sequel to this one - for the UK Pride rally in 1976 - under the title Glad to be Gay Part II. To avoid confusion I've since renamed this original track Good To Be Gay.

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about

Tom Robinson London, UK

Tom Robinson (b.1950) is a UK songwriter & broadcaster first known in the 70s as an anti-racist and LGBT campaigner. He released 19 albums between 1975-2001 with various bands and has co-written songs with Elton John, Peter Gabriel, Dan Hartman and Manu Katché. He's an award-winning presenter at BBC Radio 6 Music, and released Only The Now (his first album in 19 years) in October 2015. ... more

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